Former Springboks forwards coach Gary Gold has been appointed Bath’s director of rugby.

Gold has just completed a five-month stint in the same role with Newcastle, and he replaces Sir Ian McGeechan, who leaves the Premiership club after only one season in charge of Bath. Gold’s appointment will be officially announced on Tuesday.

Gold has enjoyed success in the Premiership with Leicester before returning to South Africa to coach the Stormers and Western Province. A four-year stint with the Springboks followed in which time he was part of a team that won a series against the touring Lions as well as the 2009 Tri-Nations.

The BBC reports that Gold’s staff will include former London Irish prop Neal Hatley and ex-England defence coach Mike Ford.